Minneapolis Institute of Art

Writing Box with Wedgwood Antislavery Medallion

Manufacturer: Josiah Wedgwood; Designer: Henry Webber; Modeler: William Hackwood; Wedgwood

Date

c. 1790

Medium

Rolled paper on wood with stoneware (jasper) medallion

Department

European Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

The leading manufacturer of ceramics in Staffordshire, Josiah Wedgwood was also a founding member of the Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade in England. In 1787 he directed his chief modeler, William Hackwood, to create a medallion depicting a kneeling African slave in chains. Adopted as the seal of the Society, the medallions were distributed free of charge to supporters of the abolitionist movement in Europe and America.

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